Texas Police Officer Found Shot Dead in His Backyard

A Travis County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been found shot dead in the backyard of his own home in Round Rock, Texas.

The body of Sgt. Craig Hutchison was found early Monday morning. He had sustained gunshot wounds and was later declared dead at a Round Rock hospital.

Travis County Sheriff Sgt. Greg Hamilton held a news conference and said the downed officer used his law enforcement radio to make an emergency call about 1:22 a.m. He said individuals were running around in his backyard. The officer was found at approximately 1:32 a.m., according to NBCDFW5.com.

Law enforcement officials are looking for two individuals near the intersection of Texas 45 and North Mopac Expressway.

There are missing items in a shed in the backyard and officials believe that the officer may have caught the two individuals in the process of a theft.

Officer Hamilton has worked with Sgt. Hutchison since 1987 and he had to watch his fellow officer’s body being taken from the hospital to the morgue. Hutchison was his field training officer.

Sgt. Hamilton said, “This is near and dear to me.” He added, “I loved that guy to death.”

The sergeant said Hutchison was “a big teddy bear and everybody loved him.” He was about 6’4″ at 270 pounds. Hamilton also called Hutchison “a gentle bear.”

Sgt. Hamilton asked people to pray for the family, the community and the country. He added, “Because we are in a country that is morally bankrupt, value depleted and it is going to take all of us to come together and address this particular issue.”

Sgt. Hutchison had 32 years of service and was planning to retire in September.

A tip line has been set up and individuals with information can call (512) 671-2767.

Lana Shadwick is a contributing writer and legal analyst for Breitbart Texas. She has served as a prosecutor and associate judge in Texas. Follow her on Twitter @LanaShadwick2.